§ Q4. Mr. Spearingasked the Prime Minister when and where she expects the next Heads of Government meeting of the European Economic Community to take place.
§ Mr. WhitelawI have been asked to reply.
On 23 and 24 March at Maastricht in the Netherlands.
§ Mr. SpearingDoes the Home Secretary agree that at that time there will be great pressure on the EEC budget? As the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has made it clear that he favours retention of the CAP, will the Government refuse to sanction further means of revenue, direct or indirect, to the EEC between now and then?
§ Mr. WhitelawThose are matters that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will no doubt report to the House in due course.
§ Mr. Gordon WilsonWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Prime Minister, when she returns from her present visit, about the consequences of selling out on the fishing industry if no reasonable agreement over exclusive limits is achieved? [HON. MEMBERS: "Rubbish."] Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that there is great fear in the industry about what the Government may do to it?
§ Mr. WhitelawThere is a certain disagreemant about what is happening. I hear flora behind me calls of "Rubbish". The hon. Gentleman's views; seem to be somewhat premature. I do not believe that there is any question of a sell-out.